Sweet Gerkins

Directions

These pickles take 4 days to make.

Day 1

In morning, place cucumbers in large bowl and cover with boiling water; let stand 6 hours.

In afternoon, drain and cover again with fresh boiling water. Let stand overnight.

Day 2

In morning, drain cucumbers and cover with fresh boiling water; let stand 6 hours.

In afternoon, drain cucumbers; add salt; cover with fresh boiling water.

Day 3

In morning, drain cucumbers; prick with fork. Combine 3 cup of the sugar, 3 cups of the vinegar and herbs and spices (except vanilla extract) in a pan. Heat to the boiling point and pour over cucumbers.

In afternoon, drain into a large pan; add 2 cups of the sugar and 2 cups of the vinegar. Heat to the boiling point and pour over pickles. Cover and let stand.

Day 4

In morning, drain into a large pan; add 2 cups of the sugar and 1 cup of the vinegar. Heat to boiling and pour over pickles.

In afternoon, prepare jars. Drain syrup off pickles into large pan; add remaining 1 cup sugar and the vanilla extract (if desired) to syrup; heat to boiling. Pack pickles into clean, hot jars. Cover with hot syrup, leaving ½-inch headspace; seal. Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Make 7 to 8 pints.